The Grace Message

Why did Jesus breathe on the disciples? Does this mean there are two portions of the Holy Spirit that we can expect today? Do we see conditional forgiveness in the Old Testament law? Why did Jesus teach it in the Lord’s Prayer? A popular Bible teacher says we’re robbing ourselves of a blessing if we do not tithe. Is this true?

What does it mean to be “imitators of God”? Ephesians 5 not only ventures deep into this question but also demystifies the idea of living authentically, as opposed to putting on an act. Imagine being sinful at the core and then being asked by God to embrace holy living. Here’s a revelation: You’re not inherently flawed, striving to mask your true self with goodness. Instead, at your very core, you contain the light of Jesus, and now, God’s call is for you to walk as a child of the Light. I invite you to delve into this message as it will challenge your perspective on living a life that vividly manifests the light of Christ. Watch now and discover the essence of authentic living from the heart. Discussion Questions for Ephesians 5:1-18: 1. What does it mean to be an “imitator of God”? How is this not faking it? 2. Read verses 2-4. What are the two motivations here for upright living? 3. Read verses 5-8 and react to this summary: “You’re no longer them, so don’t act like them.” 4. Read verses 9-10. What does “the fruit of the Light” mean? What is pleasing to the Lord? 5. React to this statement: Sin is disgraceful, unwise, and doesn’t make the most of your time. 6. Read verse 17. What is “the will of the Lord”? Can we know it? 7. Read verse 18. What does it mean to be “filled with the Spirit”? How does Ephesians 3:19 help us here?

How can I know if I’m chosen by God? I don’t have many friendships and wonder if it’s my fault? What should I do? Why did Jesus oh seem to hesitate but then miraculously make wine for the Cana wedding? Does the Holy Spirit help us keep the Law? Does He help us keep the Sermon on the Mount? I struggle with judging other people. How can I think differently? What is God’s will? How can I process past regrets in a healthy way? Are we close to the sixth trumpet?

Have you faced opposition in your ministry? Has it been a struggle? I’ve experienced some failed relationships. Is it my fault? What can I do?

Does the Holy Spirit help us keep the Law? What does it mean to “gain the whole world and forfeit your soul”? What is the false teaching in 1 Timothy 4:1 really about? I love the freedom of God’s grace!

What is the soul? Is it the real me? Is it important to believe we have three parts (spirit, soul, and body) instead of just two? I’ve asked God for forgiveness over and over, but I still don’t feel forgiven. What can I do? Doesn’t the Lord’s Prayer say we’re supposed to ask Him to forgive us? My sister is Mormon, and I’m worried she’s missing her blessing due to false teaching. How can I share truth with her?

How can I know for sure that I’m saved? My son was killed in a car accident. Where was God‘s protection? Was his death untimely? Are paid pastors and the concept of elders a product of Constantine or Calvin? Or are they actually biblical?

Why don’t I always feel regret and remorse about sin if I am truly saved? Why does Romans 8:13 say “you must die”? Is it important to be legally married if we’re already married in the eyes of God? How can I share the Gospel with my Jewish friend?

I invite you to join me as we continue our “Alive with Christ” series, diving into the rich truths of Ephesians 4. In this message, we’ll explore the description of the unbeliever and uncover the root cause behind their state of futility, darkness, and ignorance. Through the analogy of an electrical outlet, you’ll also gain insight and understanding into your new identity in Christ and why you don’t need to put off your old self daily. Additionally, we’ll delve into the importance of not letting anger linger and preventing the enemy from gaining a foothold in our lives. We’ll also explore the profound concept of forgiveness as a choice and what it looks like in our daily lives. I encourage you to listen to this message and be inspired by the life-changing truths of living in Christ. Let’s embrace the transformative power of knowing our true identity in Him! Discussion Questions for Ephesians 4:17-32: 1. Read verses 17-19. How do words like futility, darkened, excluded, ignorance, hardness, and callous describe the unbeliever? What is the main cause of this? (Hint: Consider the electrical outlet analogy.) 2. Read verses 20-24. Why is it important to read these five verses as one big thought? Is it really saying we need to put off our old self daily? If not, what does it mean? (Make sure to cross-reference Colossians 3:9-10.) 3. What does verse 24 say about you as the new self? What does this mean to you personally? 4. Read verse 25. How does belonging to one another relate to lying? 5. How does “letting the sun go down on your anger” give the devil an opportunity? What’s the solution? Be sure to discuss what “forgiveness as a choice” really looks like. 6. Read verses 29-30. How does verse 29 give us insight into what it means to grieve the Spirit? 7. Read verse 32. In what way is this the opposite of what we see in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:14-15)? How do we resolve the discrepancy? (Hint: Consider the cross as the dividing line of human history and the purpose of the Sermon on the Mount.)

Is there any sadness or disappointment in Heaven? Will disputes be settled and bitterness be healed in Heaven? Do angels have bodies like humans? How are our minds renewed? I feel like I’m not living up to God’s expectations. I heard you teach that we don’t need to tithe 10% today. Where do we find that? What about Jesus’ instruction on tithing? I’ve been smoking for decades and can’t seem to stop. Does this mean I have a lack of faith? What does “help my unbelief” mean in Mark 24?